Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper): Your Serene Waterfall Escape in Douglas County, Oregon

Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) Introduce

For us Oregon locals, the call of a hidden gem, a place where nature's beauty unfolds without the crowds, is truly irresistible. Tucked away in Douglas County, within the magnificent Umpqua National Forest, lies Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper). This isn't just any campground; it's a unique and serene spot situated directly at the stunning Clearwater Falls, offering a tranquil escape where the soothing sound of cascading water becomes the soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. For those of us who appreciate the more rustic and intimate side of camping, surrounded by lush old-growth forests, this campground provides an ideal setting to reconnect with the natural splendor of Southern Oregon.

Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) is known for its peaceful ambiance and its direct proximity to the beautiful spring-fed Clearwater Falls. Unlike larger, more bustling campgrounds, this site offers a limited number of individual campsites, ensuring a more private and quiet experience. Imagine waking up to the gentle roar of the falls, sipping your morning coffee amidst towering Douglas firs, and taking a short, leisurely stroll to witness the falls in all their glory just steps from your tent or RV.

What makes Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) particularly appealing to us Oregonians is its blend of accessibility to a natural wonder with a more primitive camping style. Reviews frequently highlight the ease of access to the falls themselves, making it a fantastic stop even for those who aren't staying overnight. However, for campers, it provides an immersive experience. While it lacks some modern amenities, this simplicity is precisely what draws many locals who seek to truly unplug and embrace the wilderness. It's a testament to the diverse and captivating natural resources available right here in our backyard, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and subtle adventure.

Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) is nestled within Douglas County, Oregon, and is specifically located along the renowned Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway (Highway 138). While a precise street address might be less relevant for a forest campground, its general location in the Umpqua National Forest, east of Roseburg and near Idleyld Park, helps Oregon locals pinpoint its spot on the map.

To reach the campground, you would typically travel east on Oregon Route 138 from Roseburg. Clearwater Falls is situated at approximately milepost 6592 on Highway 138. The campground is split into two sections by the falls themselves, with the "Upper" section being the focus here, often located above the cascades.

Accessibility to Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) is generally considered easy for most vehicles. The campground is conveniently located just off Highway 138, a well-maintained paved road that forms part of the scenic byway. This makes for a relatively straightforward drive, even for those with trailers or smaller RVs. However, campers should be aware that while the main access road is paved, the internal campground roads and parking spurs may be gravel. Some reports suggest that while the approach to the campground is mostly paved and well-marked, the road can narrow considerably in a few places with soft shoulders, which might require caution for larger RVs or vehicles with trailers when meeting oncoming traffic.

The campground offers drive-in access to its sites, meaning you can park directly where you sleep. This enhances convenience for loading and unloading camping gear. Given its location directly at the falls, the area around the falls themselves features an "accessible" trail, allowing visitors of all mobility levels to enjoy the view of the cascades. While the campground itself is not listed as fully accessible, the ease of reaching the general area and the short, well-maintained paths to the waterfall make it a welcoming destination for many Oregonians.

Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) provides fundamental, rustic services designed to facilitate a traditional forest camping experience, focusing on essential amenities for comfort in a natural setting.

Campsites: The campground features nine individual campsites. These sites are equipped to accommodate tents, cars, and generally smaller RVs, with a maximum recommended vehicle length of 25 feet due to the nature of the roads and site layouts.
Site Amenities: Each of the campsites is well-appointed with a picnic table and a fire pit, allowing campers to comfortably prepare meals, dine outdoors, and enjoy traditional campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
Picnic Sites: In addition to the campsites, there are also four extra picnic sites with picnic tables and fire pits, offering more day-use options for visitors simply stopping to enjoy the falls.
Vault Toilets: The campground provides three vault toilets (pit toilets) for basic sanitation needs. Reviews often note these are generally clean and well-maintained for a rustic campground, though campers should bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that there is NO potable (drinking) water available at Clearwater Falls Campground. Visitors must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing for the duration of their stay.
No Garbage Disposal: This campground operates on a "pack it in, pack it out" principle. There are no garbage disposal facilities, so campers are responsible for removing all their trash from the site.
No Hookups: The campground does not offer any electrical, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers.
Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are observed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., ensuring a peaceful environment for all campers.
Pet Policy: Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times, promoting responsible pet ownership in the natural environment.
No Campground Host: Information suggests there is typically no campground host on site, meaning campers should be self-reliant and refer to posted regulations.

Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) offers several captivating features and highlights that make it a truly memorable destination for Oregon's outdoor enthusiasts.

Direct Access to Clearwater Falls: The most prominent highlight is its immediate proximity to the beautiful Clearwater Falls. This spring-fed waterfall flows year-round, cascading over moss-covered rocks and fallen trees into the Clearwater River. A very short, easy walk from the campground leads directly to stunning viewpoints of the falls, making it incredibly convenient for photography and peaceful enjoyment.
Scenic River Setting: The Clearwater River meanders through the old-growth Douglas fir forest surrounding the campground, creating a picturesque and tranquil backdrop. The sound of the river and falls provides a constant, soothing ambiance.
Old-Growth Forest Environment: Campers are immersed in a lush forest of towering Douglas firs, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. This provides ample shade and a true feeling of being deep within the wilderness.
Peaceful and Secluded Atmosphere: With only nine campsites, Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) offers a more intimate and less crowded experience than larger campgrounds. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude and a quiet retreat from everyday life.
Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway Location: The campground's position on this renowned scenic byway means it's an excellent stop or basecamp for exploring other iconic waterfalls and natural attractions in the region, such as Toketee Falls, Watson Falls, and Whitehorse Falls, all within a short drive.
Wildlife Viewing: The Umpqua National Forest is rich in wildlife. Campers may have opportunities to spot various forest creatures, although caution regarding potential wildlife encounters (like black bears) is always advised, particularly near food storage areas.
Family-Friendly Hikes: The very short and accessible path to Clearwater Falls makes it suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility levels, including families with young children.

For information regarding Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) in Douglas County, Oregon, the primary point of contact is the Umpqua National Forest, which manages this site. As a rustic forest campground, there isn't a direct phone number to the campground itself.

Address: Douglas County, OR, USA (within the Umpqua National Forest, specifically along Oregon Route 138).

For inquiries about Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper), including current conditions, fire restrictions, road accessibility, and seasonal opening/closing dates, you should contact the relevant ranger district of the Umpqua National Forest.

North Umpqua Ranger Station (Umpqua National Forest):

Address: 18782 North Umpqua Highway, Glide, OR 97443

Phone: (541) 496-3532

It is highly recommended to call this number or visit the Umpqua National Forest website before your trip to get the most up-to-date information. This is particularly important for checking on fire bans, road conditions (especially in shoulder seasons), and any other alerts that might affect your visit to this beautiful Southern Oregon destination. Since there is no potable water and a "pack it in, pack it out" policy, confirming details beforehand will ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

For us Oregon locals, Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) represents an idyllic, accessible, and truly enriching outdoor experience. Its suitability for local residents lies in its ability to provide a serene and intimate connection with nature, far from the more crowded tourist hotspots, yet still conveniently located on a scenic byway. This campground is perfect for those spontaneous weekend getaways or peaceful mid-week escapes when you simply need to recharge amidst the beauty of the Umpqua National Forest.

The undeniable highlight for us Oregonians is the direct proximity to Clearwater Falls. The ease of walking to this captivating waterfall makes it a unique and truly enjoyable feature, offering endless opportunities for relaxation, photography, and simply basking in the calming presence of cascading water. While the lack of potable water and garbage disposal means a bit more self-sufficiency is required, this aligns perfectly with the ethos of many local campers who prefer a more authentic, low-impact wilderness experience.

Surrounded by majestic old-growth trees and the soothing sounds of the Clearwater River, this campground provides a profound sense of peace and seclusion. It's a fantastic basecamp for exploring the wider Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, with numerous other waterfalls and attractions just a short drive away. Clearwater Falls Campground (Upper) truly offers a quintessential Southern Oregon camping experience, allowing us locals to embrace the tranquility, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure that makes our state so incredibly special.